Arshad Popi Being a Good Samaritan Offering Free Transportation to Needy People To Reach Hospital or their destination, during lockdown and beyond.
Mangaluru : Grim news from all corners of the country, including Karnataka and Dakshina Kannada, has been coming in all through the lockdown. Apart from Covid-19, there have been communal tensions rising in the country, pushing minorities on the sidelines and over the edge. There have been reports of the needy being denied help and not having enough in their power to help themselves. However, for each gloomy report, there is always one positive story that reinstates our faith in humanity. And one such is that of Arshad Popi, aged 32, a resident of Kudroli, Mangaluru-owner of M/s Popi Car (Self driven) Rental business in Town, who has proved that all heroes don’t wear capes.
And when needy senior citizens, sick people, and pregnant women who couldn’t afford transportation, Arshad came up with an innovative idea to help such needy people during the coronavirus induced lockdown, in providing them transportation FREE of cost- and till date he has provided free transport service to nearly 50 people, since he started this community on 20 July. As per Arshad, his services are not only for senior citizens, sick people and pregnant women, but also to out of town people who get stranded finding no transportation, to reach their destinations.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Arshad said, “When the lockdown started in the City, I used to see several persons stranded on the roads trying to reach their destinations somehow. Many were patients, senior citizens, sometimes pregnant women who found it rather tough to walk long distances during rain or shine.I was really inspired to start this service after seeing a family from North Karnataka, stranded during heavy downpour, and were desperate to reach their destination. That’s when I thought to myself, why not help these people in providing them free rides to hospitals or their destinations. And I feel happy that my kind gesture to such people is appreciated by many, including MLA Vedavyas Kamath and many others”.
Arshad further said, “I own six vehicles, including an auto-rickshaw, of which I have set aside three cars and an auto-rickshaw for this free service. I decided to use the auto-rickshaw for people who find it hard to get into a car. All these vehicles have their own drivers but wherever possible, but I prefer to personally serve the needy and the concerned. Anyone who needs my free service can call my mobile number, and I will do the needful- where I will send the vehicle to the place where they specify, pick them up, and drop them at the hospital or their destination- all FREE of cost. A few people offer me fuel money, but I have not accepted any money until now”.
Arshad Kopi is a BJP worker from Kudroli Ward, and in the last MCC election he contested as BJP candidate, but lost the election. For the last 13 years, he has been serving as an active BJP worker. Arshad says that his jurisdiction of operation of service will be in the Mangaluru South Assembly Constituency limits. However, he said, “During the past two days, I had to respond to emergency calls and violate this rule under unavoidable circumstances. It is heartrending to see old people, pregnant ladies, even those recovering from surgery or Covid-19 treatment walking on empty roads as there is no public transport available; and even private vehicle owners were scared to offer lift to them due to the fear of coronavirus. Hence, I would try to assist such people. Now that the lockdown has ended, but if people still need my free service, I am ready to provide it”
Seen in Photo with a lady discharged after Covid-19 treatment are L-R : Mehboob, Arshad and Ghanashyam-the Three Covid Warriors!
When asked if there is any health risk involved in doing this social service work, Arshad commented, “I strictly follow social distancing, wear face mask and gloves and ensure that my passengers are wearing masks, and not seated very close to each other.” It is heartening to note that the rental business of Arshad has been very slow due to lockdown, which has robbed his income. To see such a person in hardship to come forward and help those in need and thinking of their fellow citizens before themselves shows the true spirit of humanity. May God bless Arshad Popi for his community service.
To call Arshad Popi for a FREE TRANSPORTATION, dial 9731008008.
